The Hidden Risk in Your Battery Storage System: Why cable cleats belong in every BESS specification

FlexGen Power Systems, LLC. (“FlexGen”), a leading battery energy storage system and energy management software provider, announced that its HybridOS energy management platform is ISO 9001:2015 certified. ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management, meaning the systems and processes behind HybridOS, from design, development, deployment, and remote software support, have been accredited by the certification body.

“Battery storage is critical infrastructure for keeping the lights on, but it can only do its job if grid operators can trust it to perform when it’s needed,” said Mike Wallace, Managing Director of Europe for FlexGen. “Security, safety, and quality must be built into every layer of battery storage technology to ensure it can be relied on to power industry, mission-critical systems, and residences. High availability, high performance, and high security standards are all a must for battery storage assets needed across the globe.”

This certification is an important foundation to entering markets across Europe, where battery developers, owners, and operators expect ISO-certified suppliers to ensure reliable and safe products. It is earned through an independent third-party audit that evaluates consistent processes, customer focus, risk-based thinking, and continual improvement. The certification will be maintained through ongoing audits of HybridOS.

“Quality is engineered into our software from day one,” said Hugh Scott, Chief Technology Officer at FlexGen. “Through our Innovation Lab, we continuously test and strengthen our systems to reduce risk for asset owners and grid operators."

FlexGen’s Alignment with International and Regional Standards

In addition to ISO 9001:2015 certification, FlexGen’s software and systems are designed to meet the requirements of critical infrastructure operators and regulated energy markets. This commitment is reflected in FlexGen’s alignment with leading international and regional standards. Some of the standards FlexGen meets include:

• ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certified (Information Security Management – Independent Third-Party Verified): International standard for enterprise information security management systems (ISMS).
• ISO/IEC 27017: Code of practice for information security controls specific to cloud services. Extends ISO/IEC 27001/27002 with cloud guidance for providers and customers. Audited alongside 27001.
• NIS2 (EU Directive on Network & Information Security – Independent Third-Party Verified): Alignment with NIS2 requirements for risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain security for essential infrastructure operators in the EU.
• EN 50549 / EU Grid Codes: Ensures safe interconnection with European grids.

FlexGen Power Systems | https://www.flexgen.com/

174 Power Global Retail Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hanwha Energy USA Holdings Corporation, announced its entry into competitive retail electricity markets within the PJM region.

174 Power Global Retail Corporation, which operates Chariot Energy and Pumpjack Power in Texas, has acquired Powervine Energy, LLC and Powervine Energy MD, LLC. Subject to applicable state licensing and regulatory requirements, the company will market and sell retail electricity under the Chariot Energy Northeast and Powervine Energy brands. Product availability, pricing and contract terms will vary by state.

The expansion positions 174 Power Global Retail Corporation to serve residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers through licensed brokers, consultants and energy aggregators, as permitted under applicable state law.

“Our entry into PJM is an important step in building a broader retail electricity platform capable of serving customers across key U.S. markets,” said In Kyu Park, chief executive officer of 174 Power Global Retail Corporation.

Chariot Energy offers retail electricity products designed around transparent pricing, flexible options and a customer-focused experience. For larger energy users, the company supports customized electricity supply agreements, including fixed-price, index-based and structured products. It also provides tailored billing solutions for complex operations such as manufacturing facilities, data centers and other energy-intensive businesses.

“This expansion supports our strategy to build a stronger multi-brand retail electricity platform across competitive U.S. markets,” said Mohsin Khoja, chief operating officer of 174 Power Global Retail Corporation. “We will continue evaluating organic growth and acquisition opportunities in PJM and ERCOT that broaden our reach, strengthen our capabilities and create long-term value.”

174 Power Global Retail Corporation is the retail arm of Hanwha Energy USA, which supports companies across retail electricity, renewable energy, storage, power infrastructure, data center infrastructure and integrated energy solutions. Hanwha Energy USA is backed by Hanwha Group, a Fortune Global 500 company headquartered in South Korea.

Chariot Energy | www.chariotenergy.com

Hanwha Energy USA | www.hanwhaenergyusa.com

Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR), a leading U.S.-based critical materials company, announced that construction has begun on an expansion of its White Mesa Mill in Utah (Mill) to enable the large-scale production of heavy rare earth oxides, which are planned to be used by Energy Fuels to produce rare earth metals, alloys and magnets essential to the automotive, robotics, data center, energy and defense industries. The expansion of the Company's existing light-rare earth oxide production capacity to also produce heavy-rare earth oxides is a critical step in the execution of Energy Fuels' integrated mine-to-magnet program.

"Heavy rare earth production is a severe pinch point in North American and European permanent magnet supply chains," said Ross Bhappu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Energy Fuels. "Given our ongoing success in piloting heavy rare earth oxides, we are now ready to advance to commercial-scale production. This is an exciting moment for Energy Fuels as we continue to build a fully integrated Western mine-to-magnet rare earth platform with proven commercial expertise at each step of the supply chain. The production of both light and heavy rare earth oxides is a key differentiator of Energy Fuels' strategy to build an integrated rare earth supply chain that is expected to be completed upon the anticipated closing of our pending acquisitions of Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) and Vacuumschmelze (VAC)1."

The Mill has the current commercial capacity to produce up to 1,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of separated NdPr oxide. The planned expansion is designed to add the capacity to produce up to approximately 20 tpa of terbium (Tb), 120 tpa of dysprosium (Dy), 140 tpa of samarium (Sm), 20 tpa of europium (Eu), and 140 tpa of gadolinium (Gd) oxides, along with other rare earth elements2: Tb and Dy are heavy rare earths added to most high-end rare earth permanent magnets (REPMs) to increase resistance to demagnetization (coercivity) and high-temperature performance, and to enable smaller, lighter, more powerful, and more efficient electric motors.

The planned expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with respect to the addition of the Tb and Dy circuits and by the end of 2028 with respect to the addition of the Sm, Eu and Gd circuits.3

The White Mesa Mill's heavy rare earth expansion is sized and timed to process the anticipated near-term monazite output from the Company's Donald Project joint venture in Australia. Subject to a positive final investment decision (anticipated in Q3 2026)4, Donald is expected to produce approximately 8,500 to 9,500 tonnes of monazite concentrate annually beginning in 2028. This volume, along with additional third-party feedstock currently under contract and in discussion, is expected to fully utilize the Mill's current NdPr oxide capacity, and planned Tb and Dy oxide capacity, which is expected to be commissioned in Q4 2027. In turn, these rare earth oxides are expected to supply roughly 70% of the feedstock required for ASM's existing and planned metal and alloy capacity in South Korea, which itself is expected to supply sufficient magnet alloy to supply over 100% of the 2,000 tonnes of magnet capacity at VAC's magnet manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina – the largest REPM facility in the United States.5 

The planned expansion is also expected to include a circuit for the processing of mixed rare earth carbonates (MREC) to enable Energy Fuels to process additional types of feedstocks produced globally that are rich in heavy rare earth oxides. Importantly, the new MREC circuit will enable the Mill to produce rare earth oxides and uranium simultaneously at commercial scale.

This expansion project is estimated to have a total capital expenditure of approximately $104 million, which is expected to be supported in large part through various government grants and loans. The debt component for the heavy rare earth expansion is planned to be covered by a previously announced conditional loan commitment from the U.S. government. The equity component will be covered out of the Company's working capital, which totaled approximately $0.96 billion as of March 31, 2026. The Company has also applied for grant funding from other U.S. government agencies.

Energy Fuels plans to further expand the Mill in 2029 to increase overall capacity to 6,294 tpa NdPr, 80 tpa Tb, and 288 tpa Dy oxides. This second expansion is expected to process monazite supplied largely by the Company's current and development projects, including all phases of the Donald Project in Australia, the Vara Mada Project in Madagascar, and the Bahia Project in Brazil, along with third-party monazite concentrates and MRECs. The oxides produced at the Mill from these sources will support more than 100% of the expected internal demand of the planned expansion of ASM's metal and alloy facility in South Korea and its planned new facility in the U.S. This in turn will produce sufficient magnet alloy to supply more than 100% of the internal demand for VAC's planned U.S. and European magnet manufacturing expansions, resulting in a total integrated mine-to-magnet supply chain capable of producing 15,700 tonnes of REPMs per year in the coming years5. These volumes of magnets are sufficient to supply up to six million electric/hybrid electric vehicles per year, four million humanoid robots per year, 31 million internal combustion engine vehicles per year, 3,140 offshore wind turbines per year, or 7.8 million iPhones per year.6

Energy Fuels | http://www.energyfuels.com

Eolian announced that Flint Grid, a 200MW, 5+hour duration grid-scale battery energy storage system in Jersey Township, Licking County, Ohio, has started construction ("Flint Grid Project"). Located adjacent to New Albany datacenter and industrial load, the Flint Grid Project is the first large-scale battery energy storage system to qualify for the PJM capacity market and the largest battery storage system to clear the 2027/28 Residual Capacity Auction, representing more than 50 percent of all new battery storage capacity in that capacity year.

The Flint Grid Project is also the first grid-scale battery energy storage system permitted by the Ohio Power Siting Board and the largest battery energy storage system built to date in Ohio and the PJM footprint, establishing an important precedent for future energy storage development across the state.

Eolian is actively collaborating with grid operators, regulators, and industry stakeholders on research and policy initiatives to advance battery energy storage integration into wholesale electricity markets, including technical frameworks for optimal bidding protocols, new market products for energy storage participation, ELCC accreditation methodology, revenue optimization across multiple wholesale market segments, and a recognition that strategically-located battery storage projects can actually increase transmission capacity in constrained locations with increasing load demands.

"There's growing consternation about how the US can rapidly scale infrastructure to support America's growing electricity demand, but not nearly enough conversation about how to use existing technology to unlock the wasted capacity that already exists on the grid" said Aaron Zubaty, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eolian. "Flint Grid demonstrates how companies like Eolian have been investing in solutions to unlock the grid and reduce price pressures on consumers using proven and scalable technology. This project requires hundreds of millions of dollars to construct, and we committed the necessary capital and resources years before today's demand forecasts became headline news. As policymakers consider changes to competitive electricity markets, it's critical that they avoid undermining the long-term investments already underway that will make better use of existing transmission infrastructure and that create a bridge to further long-term supply expansion."

Battery energy storage complements traditional grid infrastructure by providing flexible capacity that responds in milliseconds to stabilize and back up the grid during high-risk events, while optimizing how to match power supply and demand through all hours of the day, every day of the year.

Flint Grid is expected to enter commercial operation in advance of the 2027–2028 PJM capacity year.

Eolian | www.eolianenergy.com

Walden Renewables Development LLC ("Walden"), a U.S. based renewable energy developer focused on developing, constructing, and operating utility-scale solar photovoltaic ("PV") and battery energy storage system ("BESS") projects across major U.S. power markets, announced the closing of a $250 million revolving development capital financing facility with Crayhill Capital Management. The facility will support the continued development and construction of Walden's 5 GW platform of solar and storage projects across PJM, MISO, SPP, ISO-NE and SOCO territories.  Proceeds will support both pre- and post- NTP projects as Walden advances its integrated development and independent power producer ("IPP") growth strategy.

Crayhill's Managing Director, Shweta Kapadia, said, "We are pleased to provide this credit facility to Walden Renewables as the company advances the development of its renewable energy efforts across the country and continues strengthening its position as a growing IPP.  As demand for renewable energy accelerates, developers increasingly require flexible capital to build the infrastructure needed to meet it. We look forward to partnering with the Walden team as they execute on the next phase of the platform's growth."

"Closing this facility marks a major milestone for Walden," said Henry Weitzner, CEO and co‑founder of Walden Renewables. "Partnering with Crayhill accelerates our ability to build an industry‑leading integrated development/IPP platform. Crayhill's sector expertise, capital strength and commitment to growing companies will be instrumental as we scale our pipeline.  This funding enables us to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for new energy sources across the US by delivering projects tailored to evolving regional needs."

Crayhill Capital Management | https://crayhill.com/

Walden Renewables | https://waldenrenewables.com/

Hyroad Energy, an independent solution provider operationalizing hydrogen-fueled commercial trucking for fleets, announced a hydrogen refueling station is officially open in Santa Fe Springs, California, enabling fuel access for hydrogen trucking fleets across the region.

Hyroad has deployed a liquid hydrogen mobile refueling station from Taylor-Wharton, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Water America and leading provider of cryogenic and hydrogen fueling equipment, at Tom's Truck Center's Santa Fe Springs location. The unit combines a 1,000-kilogram liquid hydrogen tank, pump, dispenser, controls, and safety systems in a single mobile package, giving Hyroad a fast and efficient way to bring new fueling capacity online while permanent stations are developed and constructed.

Since becoming operational, the station has ramped quickly. In its first full week of service, it completed 45 fueling transactions with fueling times consistently under 25 minutes, comparable to a diesel fill-up.

"Today's announcement isn't just about keeping one fleet moving - it's a signal that hydrogen trucking infrastructure can be stood up fast, work reliably, and scale with demand," said Mike Archibald, Head of Hydrogen Infrastructure at Hyroad Energy. "Every station we bring online, mobile or permanent, is proof to the industry that the fueling side of this equation is solvable now. That's what unlocks confidence for fleets, OEMs, and partners to keep investing in hydrogen."

"Our partnership with Hyroad demonstrates what's possible when industry leaders work together to solve one of the biggest challenges facing hydrogen adoption: fueling availability," said Aaron Villarreal, Director of Sales & Global Hydrogen at Taylor-Wharton/TOMCO Systems, a subsidiary of Air Water America.

Part of Growing Hydrogen Fuel Ecosystem
The Santa Fe Springs station is one piece of a growing refueling network Hyroad is building across California and Texas. The company views mobile refueling solutions as a proven way to bring capacity online quickly to support new fleet deployments, while developing permanent, heavy-duty stations as part of its long-term infrastructure buildout. All vehicle maintenance and service for Hyroad's fleet and other Nikola owner customers continues to be handled out of the company's Fontana, California facility, which also houses a 30,000-square-foot warehouse and exclusive Nikola parts inventory.

Contact the Hyroad team to learn more.

Hyroad Energy | www.hyroadenergy.com

Taylor-Wharton | https://twcryo.com

Real Madrid and ELITE Solar announced a new global strategic partnership, bringing together one of the world's most iconic sports institutions and a leading global photovoltaic manufacturer committed to advancing the clean energy transition.

Through this partnership, ELITE Solar becomes an Official Partner and Official Solar Panel Provider of Real Madrid, joining forces with a club recognized worldwide for its pursuit of excellence, innovation, and leadership. The collaboration reflects the shared values of both organizations and their commitment to creating a lasting positive impact on future generations.

As part of the agreement, ELITE Solar will work alongside Real Madrid to promote solar energy with sustainability, innovation, and responsible growth through a range of global initiatives designed to engage fans, customers, employees, and communities around the world.

Emilio Butragueño, Institutional Relations Director at Real Madrid, said:

"At Real Madrid, we seek partners who share our values and our vision for the future. We are pleased to welcome ELITE Solar to our global network of partners."

Alex Chen, General Manager of ELITE Solar, said:

"We are honored to partner with Real Madrid, one of the most respected and successful organizations in the world. This partnership represents far more than a sponsorship; it is a reflection of our shared pursuit of excellence, global impact, and long-term value creation. Together, we look forward to inspiring people through innovation, performance, and a commitment to a more sustainable future."

Founded in 2005, ELITE Solar has established itself as a leading global provider of photovoltaic solutions, serving utility-scale and commercial and industrial markets worldwide. With a diversified international manufacturing footprint and a focus on technological innovation, risk-mitigation, and client-centricity, the company continues to support the accelerating transition toward clean and reliable energy. 

The partnership will leverage the global reach of both organizations to enhance brand visibility, support sustainability initiatives, and create meaningful experiences for stakeholders across key international markets.

Real Madrid and ELITE Solar begin this partnership with enthusiasm and confidence, united by a shared vision of leadership, innovation, and excellence.

ELITE Solar | www.elite-solar.com

Real Madrid C.F. | www.realmadrid.com